CYBERCRIME AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT

ABSTRACT

This specific objective of this study is to examine the relationship existing between cybercrime and economic development in Udu local Government Area in Nigeria, verify the impact of cybercrime on economic development in Nigeria, and ascertain the existence of a causal relationship between cybercrime and economic development in Nigeria. A sample size consisting of only 200 respondents was selected. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using tables and percentages. The study found that unemployment causes poverty and that a positive causal relationship exists between the latter and insecurity. Other causes of cybercrime, according to them, are corruption, gullibility or greed, the proliferation of cyber cafes, and the vulnerable nature of the internet. It is concluded that the menace of cybercrime has eaten deep into the fabric of our society and poses threats to the socioeconomic development of the country. It is pertinent to state here that although cybercrime is a global phenomenon, the vulnerabilities and impact trends do tend to differ depending on the strength of the measures each country puts in place to combat the menace, such as cyber laws and cyber protection technologies.